Tag Archives: sting

Sting, Roger Waters and a growing number of artists and activists are joining Amnesty International activists like you who are raising their voices to help free Pussy Riot.

All over the world, freedom-loving people are deeply troubled that Masha Alekhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot are still in prison. A Russian appeals court failed to overturn their sentence in October despite a global outcry calling for their acquittal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin didn’t like the song they performed. And, on top of that, despite the fact that last week was Russian Constitution Day—a constitution that guarantees the right to free expression, mind you, officials are shutting down free speech all across Russia – and getting away with it.

Pussy Riot’s case connects the worlds of music and human rights. When you add yourself to the Free Pussy Riot Map – Amnesty International’s newest human rights project for solidarity, you help deepen that connection.

When asked how he felt about Pussy Riot’s case, Sting had this to say: “Dissent is a legitimate and essential right in any democracy and modern politicians must accept this fact with tolerance.”

They believe in the power of Amnesty International and our millions-strong global human rights movement:

“I feel that Amnesty International is the most civilized organization in history. Its currency is the written word. Its weapon is the letter; that’s why I am a member. I believe in its non-violence; I believe in its effectiveness.” – Sting

“Amnesty mobilises thousands of people who have never been tortured or imprisoned for their beliefs to act on behalf of those who have. … Ordinary people, whose personal well-being and security are assured, join together in huge numbers to save people they do not know, and will never meet.” - J K Rowling

“It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. And never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant.” - Bishop Desmond Tutu

Won’t you join them and millions of others worldwide in defending human rights? Alone, a candle – Amnesty’s symbol – is a fragile, flickering light that can be extinguished by a whisper. Shared by millions, it becomes a shining beacon of hope. It becomes Amnesty International.

This month, we’re passing the candle to you. Keep it bright with your gift. Donate in September and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar! Please pass it on to inspire others to join our movement.